Who Wants to be the Shepherd? - A Christmas Eve Message

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "Who Wants to be the Shepherd? - A Christmas Eve Message"

Transcription

1 1 Who Wants to be the Shepherd? - A Christmas Eve Message Once upon a time in those days after Thanksgiving when Rt. 9 is transformed from its normal craziness into something like a hornet s nest after you poke it with a stick, There was a minister, a pastor, who thought it was a good idea to pick his children up from school and take them to Shopper s World. Earlier that day he had been planning with his staff team All those worship services in December, including two children s pageants, one Quaker service, a sermon on the four kinds of prayer (oops, please, thanks and wow!), a Music Sunday last week in which the choir was singing things about The Christian God that this minister knows many of them have at least some doubts (which is maybe why Joe had them singing in German), And, last but not least, this Christmas Eve worship. So, as this minister, this pastor (a title which references this role as shepherd, as guide) Drove into the parking lot of Shopper s World It is fair to say that his mind was Full of religious thoughts and images and stories and songs,

2 2 One of which was the story we told In the living nativity pageant That happened here two hours ago, during which this minister got to ask: Who wants to be an angel? Who wants to be Caesar? Who wants to be the three wise people? Who wants to be Mary in what will be certainly The shortest and least painful childbirth ever? Who wants to be Joseph? Who wants to be the star? Who wants to be the Shepherd? Getting out of the car, draping an arm over each child to protect them from the cars circling around us for parking spots, and then leading them toward the sparkling, crowded, upbeat Barnes and Noble, This minister knows that this time of year can appear so varnished and perfect and sentimentally sweet like that egg-nog you Sip from cups shaped like reindeer s antlers or Santa s face that it can be hard it can be hard, can t it? just to be who are be that merry or depressed, thrilled or bored, joyful or sad, and still love each other and ourselves anyway. Right? This minister also knows that these characters in the Jesus story have become so familiar,

3 3 So domesticated and how sad so polarizing depending on what we say we believe or don t believe that we can t really see ourselves or our 2012 lives in this story hardly at all. Bible? Whatever year old stories? Whatever. Though it is worth noting that if Jesus had an i-phone He could still fit his main message love the Spirit, And love your neighbor as yourself in a text or a tweet, Because it s only 43 characters long. I m just saying.. Okay, back to the store, back to the minister, Which is, of course, me And the reason I referred to myself there in the third person is because it helps remind me to observe myself and others, because there are stories and angels and little streaming lights of peace Breaking out all around us, if only we took the time to really notice. Try it sometime, try noticing what you notice, And you just might be amazed. Doors open. There are books and Nooks everywhere! The line is herding like an impatient flock of sheep around the diaries and calendars and pens placed there to tempt us toward an unplanned purchase. Remember the line Corrine shared with us earlier, The one about shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night?

4 4 Well, that s how it was for me only this time the fields are not fields, but instead are the rows and rows of books in the Barnes and Noble store; and this time the stars are not stars, but instead those bright florescent bulbs beaming down; and this time the staff is not a staff, but instead the super-large Venti Starbucks coffee I now have in my hand; and this time the flock are not sheep, but instead they are my children, and in the chaos of the store and the times I keep them close. Friends, remember this is weeks before Newtown, CT. And so now, with you, I keep them even closer, And my children are your children, And your children are my children. And with our children close this is when - There in the Barnes and Noble turned Bethlehem - That I see him, his open face and wide eyes, His arms close to his sides, fingers fidgeting, His legs crossed the way kids do when they re feeling shy Or scared. Dad, says one of mine, this is new Diary of a Wimpy Kid book I want! Can I get it for Christmas? Dad, says the other of mine, this is new Mysterious Benedict Society book I want!

5 5 Can I get it for Christmas? In this age of screens and memes and texts and tweets, I have a new philosophy of parenthood: I never say no to books. Just then a woman s voice, you might think of her as an angel heard on high, Beams out from the ceiling speakers: Customers, can I have your attention? Would the mother of Benjamin please go immediately To the Children s Section located near the Starbucks café? I am still watching this little boy I m guessing aged 7 And when the name Benjamin is heard from on high I see His eyes look up and look around, as if he has suddenly been noticed. The angel again: Benjamin is wearing a blue sweater with red stripes, And green sneakers. If this is your Benjamin please go the Children s Section immediately. The boy keeps his green sneakers crossed, his blue-with-red striped arms Close to his side, his eyes looking down, looking up, looking around, So scared, so alone. Dad! a tug on my sleeve. Dad, look at this But I can t really pay attention. I m watching, remember? I m observing, and to my amazement I m watching as still no one comes. Where is she? Where is Benjamin s mom? You re sitting there wondering: Nathan, this is going to turn out ok, right? Nathan, how is this a Christmas story exactly?

6 6 So stay with me, observe with me, watch with me As we see two clerks leave that herd of a line at the front of the store, Exasperating their flock, As the wend their way across through the isles and across the fields To Benjamin s side, who is now doing everything he can to keep The tears in his eyes from falling, his upper lip and bottom lip quivering. Later in the Bible stories, much later, We hear Jesus tell about the shepherd who leaves his flock Of 99 to look after the single one who is lost, And it this story I am thinking of as each of these women, These strangers, kneel down to Benjamin, eye to eye, face to face, And put hands on his shoulders and speak to him in reassuring whispers. Then each of them stand tall as staffs and putting him Between them, in the center, guide him out of the Children s Center, each of them an arm draped over his shoulder. Where are they going? We do not know. Will this turn out well? I m sorry, still we do not know. Who wants to be a Shepherd? Well, this we do know. And the shepherds are clearly these two women, these strangers, who are, as Luke read earlier, Entertaining angels unawares, And angels are little boys named Benjamin in Barnes and Noble On Rt. 9 in early December.

7 7 I consider following them I m a pastor after all, and I want to be the back-up shepherd But because one of my professional goals is to get out Of the way and let ministry happen, and because I have two of my own sheep there at my side, I do not. And that is okay, that is really okay, Because as I walk toward the edge of the field of isles and books, Toward the door, wondering if there indeed will be a savior, Wondering if Benjamin s mom will be found and all will be well, I hear a yelp do you know what a yelp sounds like? Kind Of like Whoaa!!! I hear a yelp shoot out from behind one of the book stacks, Followed by high voice exclaim across the land: Benjamin. Benjamin. Benjamin! Where were you? I thought I lost you. Oh, my Benjamin. Friends, over the years of giving these Christmas Eve homilies, And especially since Friday, December 14 th at 9:30a.m. in CT, I have had people ask me how we can sing Silent Night And Joy to the World when there is so much in our world That seems lost, broken, dark I have literally been asked this every day these last weeks And my answer is very simple. My answer is that we must. We must.

8 8 Because who is Benjamin? Benjamin is not just some boy you have never met. Anytime we have been lost in our life, anytime we have been lost From someone who loved us, or lost from what feels true or right, Or lost our direction, or lost our hope, We have become Benjamin. And who are the Shepherds? The shepherds are not just two women In the check-out lane who ask us if we have Barnes and Noble reward card. Anytime we have dropped what we we re doing, Rushed to the side of someone in need, put a hand on a shoulder, Guided someone or something toward love and justice, Been a rod, a staff of comfort, Then we have become shepherds. And who is Benjamin s mother? Ben s mom is not just some woman Who lost her baby in the store and didn t hear the announcement from The angel on high, because maybe she was on the phone with her Husband, frantically asking what she should do. Anytime you have found what has been lost, and cradled In your arms what you love, love beyond even yourself Feeling the relief and the peace that comes in that moment, Feeling the power of selfless love, Then you have become Benjamin s mother. And the point is this, not to put too fine a point on it:

9 9 There is such love in the world, so many shepherds, So many unheralded saviors, Such empathy, such beauty, such ample evidence to hope in spite of the state of the world. And the greatest sorrow in these times, among so many, May be that these little, holy moments Of being lost and then found, and full of worry, but then full of peace Don t get the press they sorely deserve. But not at Christmas time. Not this year. Not now. Christmas is the halting of hate time. Christmas is the heralding of hope time. So let us look heavenward and speak the word aloud - Peace. And let us look at our world and speak the word aloud - Peace. And let us look at each other, then into ourselves And we say without shyness or apology or hesitation Peace. Peace my brothers. Peace my sisters. Peace my soul.

10 10

AN EMOJI CHRISTMAS: ANGEL EMOJI Adapted from

AN EMOJI CHRISTMAS: ANGEL EMOJI Adapted from ANGEL EMOJI STORY INTRO Can you believe there was actually a time when people communicated without emojis? If you go back just 20 years, people weren t sending smiley faces and sad faces and laughing faces

More information

Go Tell It On The Mountain Luke ,16-18 December 1, 2013 Rev. D2

Go Tell It On The Mountain Luke ,16-18 December 1, 2013 Rev. D2 Go Tell It On The Mountain Luke 2.8-11,16-18 December 1, 2013 Rev. D2 I love this time of the year. When I was young, it was fun when my parents would take us shopping and there d be those mechanical toys

More information

The Room 1 Christmas Pageant

The Room 1 Christmas Pageant The Room 1 Christmas Pageant The cast is listed in order of appearance. Characters: Caesar Augustus Joseph Mary Actors: Innkeepers Angel Gabriel Shepherds Angels Wise Men Narrators: Narrator One Narrator

More information

School, Friends and Faith in Jesus!

School, Friends and Faith in Jesus! School, Friends and Faith in Jesus! Devotional for 8 10 year olds (but it s OK if you re 7, or 11, or 25!) Peter Walker, 2019 www.1peter1three.weebly.com Jesus said, Let the children come to me, and do

More information

Christmas Unvarnished

Christmas Unvarnished Christmas Unvarnished I was putting the finishing touches on my fun, funny, short (!) homily for this morning, The one with the title Who Wants to be the Shepherd? that is printed There in the order of

More information

READ PHILIPPIANS 4:4 DAY 1. THANK God for sending His son Jesus so you can have JOY! DAY 2 READ ISAIAH 9:6

READ PHILIPPIANS 4:4 DAY 1. THANK God for sending His son Jesus so you can have JOY! DAY 2 READ ISAIAH 9:6 WEEK ONE K-5 TH READ PHILIPPIANS 4:4 DAY 1 It s easy to be happy when everything is great when life is good and things are going the way we want. But what about when things don t go your way? No matter

More information

If you ve ever known a guy who said, Yeah, Honey, those pants do make you look fat. They are not with us anymore, may they rest in peace.

If you ve ever known a guy who said, Yeah, Honey, those pants do make you look fat. They are not with us anymore, may they rest in peace. Famous Last Words #1 Father, Forgive them Today, and for the next 4 weeks we are going to be looking at the words of Jesus on the cross and I pray that the Spirit of God, through His Word, will speak into

More information

T H E G R E A T E S T G I F T ( N I V T R A N S L A T I O N )

T H E G R E A T E S T G I F T ( N I V T R A N S L A T I O N ) C H R I S T M A S P A G E A N T S C R I P T T H E G R E A T E S T G I F T ( N I V T R A N S L A T I O N ) C H A R A C T E R S N a r r a t o r M a r y J o s e p h K i n g H e r o d D o v e S h e p a r d

More information

WE INVITE YOU TO SIGN THE WHITE ATTENDANCE PAD so that we may celebrate your presence with us today!

WE INVITE YOU TO SIGN THE WHITE ATTENDANCE PAD so that we may celebrate your presence with us today! WE INVITE YOU TO SIGN THE WHITE ATTENDANCE PAD so that we may celebrate your presence with us today! Please pass it on to the next person and then back down the row Please Take Your Bulletins Home With

More information

DON T MISS THE POINT

DON T MISS THE POINT DON T MISS THE POINT By Neil Smith at Christmas Day Service at King of Kings 09:00 INTRODUCTION Right Let s do a poll by show of hands... Who was up the earliest this morning? Anyone before 7am? 6am? 5am?

More information

CLOWNING AROUND HAL AMES

CLOWNING AROUND HAL AMES CLOWNING AROUND HAL AMES Jerry loved the circus. He was always excited when the circus came to town. It was not a big circus, but it was always fun to see the animals, actors, and most of all, the clowns.

More information

Keep Psalm and Be Thankful

Keep Psalm and Be Thankful Keep Psalm and Be Thankful Bible: Keep Psalm and Be Thankful (A psalm of thanksgiving) Psalm 100:1-5 Bottom Line: Celebrate what God has done. Memory Verse: Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is

More information

The No Vacancy Sign December 24, 2016 Dr. Frank J. Allen, Jr., Pastor The First Presbyterian Church of Kissimmee, Florida

The No Vacancy Sign December 24, 2016 Dr. Frank J. Allen, Jr., Pastor The First Presbyterian Church of Kissimmee, Florida 1 The No Vacancy Sign December 24, 2016 Dr. Frank J. Allen, Jr., Pastor The First Presbyterian Church of Kissimmee, Florida Luke 2:1-20 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the

More information

Christmas Eve Basic Truth: Jesus wants to be my friend forever. Key Question: Why is Jesus special? Bottom Line: Jesus is God s Son.

Christmas Eve Basic Truth: Jesus wants to be my friend forever. Key Question: Why is Jesus special? Bottom Line: Jesus is God s Son. 1 Christmas Eve Basic Truth: Jesus wants to be my friend forever. Key Question: Why is Jesus special? Bottom Line: Jesus is God s Son. Social (3:15, 4:30, 5:45, 7:00) 3:13 & 5:45 Story Sequence 4:30 &

More information

Crib Service 2. Order of service. Welcome. Opening Responses Tonight we are excited Bless us with wonder

Crib Service 2. Order of service. Welcome. Opening Responses Tonight we are excited Bless us with wonder Crib Service 2 An outline for a Crib Service narrated by the inn keeper and his wife Samuel and Sarah. Contains other readings and prayers With suggestions for carols Order of service Welcome Opening Responses

More information

Quin Narrator 1: Take a look all around this time of year, and chances are, you ll see the beautiful colors of Christmas everywhere.

Quin Narrator 1: Take a look all around this time of year, and chances are, you ll see the beautiful colors of Christmas everywhere. number(s) you are in (example: Scene 1, third student) and who you stand by. All sing: O Come All Ye Faithful Scene 1: (3H) At the end of O Come All Ye Faithful song, Narrators walk up on platform Quin

More information

Advent and Christmas (Matthew 1:18-25; 2:1-12; Luke 1:26-58; 2:1-20)

Advent and Christmas (Matthew 1:18-25; 2:1-12; Luke 1:26-58; 2:1-20) CREATIVE DRAMA LEADER GUIDE Advent and Christmas (Matthew 1:18-25; 2:1-12; Luke 1:26-58; 2:1-20) Age-Level Overview Age-Level Overview Open the Bible Activate Faith Lower Elementary Workshop Focus: Jesus

More information

Lord Jesus! We Welcome You, A CHILDREN S GUIDE TO SEEK GOD FOR THE CITY 2018

Lord Jesus! We Welcome You, A CHILDREN S GUIDE TO SEEK GOD FOR THE CITY 2018 A CHILDREN S GUIDE TO SEEK GOD FOR THE CITY 2018 We are going to pray for other people in our towns and neighborhoods and schools for 40 days in a row. Many Christians all over the world are praying for

More information

A PIG GIVES HOPE HOPE. outreach-international.org. Advent Stable Outreach International

A PIG GIVES HOPE HOPE. outreach-international.org. Advent Stable Outreach International A PIG GIVES HOPE HOPE outreach-international.org Props: Advent Week One November 30, 2014 1) Poster with Pedro the Pig on it, and the story of the week on the back side. (Note: A plush toy pig is preferable

More information

A Christmas To Remember

A Christmas To Remember by Bill Price What Who When Wear (Props) These are monologues delivered separately by each character. Appropriate for preparation for the Christmas season. Themes: Christmas, Angels, Mary, Joseph, Shepherds

More information

Directions for Use. I hope these devotions will spur your creativity and bless your kids! Amanda Singer

Directions for Use. I hope these devotions will spur your creativity and bless your kids! Amanda Singer Directions for Use In the Kids Choir Program at Community Bible Church, we begin with worship and devotional time every week. It is so important that kids have spiritual reference on each song they sing.

More information

Christmas service 2004 Page 1. Child 3: Child 4: Child 2: Child 5: Child 1: Child 3: Child 4: Child 3: Child 2: Child 3:

Christmas service 2004 Page 1. Child 3: Child 4: Child 2: Child 5: Child 1: Child 3: Child 4: Child 3: Child 2: Child 3: Christmas service 2004 Page 1 O come all ye faithful Christmas play 2004 Welcome and opening prayer Canticle of the gift Scene 1: The box Group of modern day children are sitting down chatting on stage,

More information

Christmas Bedtime Stories

Christmas Bedtime Stories Christmas Bedtime Stories Thinking Things Through Like in the story, sometimes we do things without considering the results of our actions. But a godly person will not only consider whether what he is

More information

A Sermon Preached in the Duke University Chapel by The Reverend Dr. Thor Hall Assistant Professor of Preaching and Theology The Divinity School

A Sermon Preached in the Duke University Chapel by The Reverend Dr. Thor Hall Assistant Professor of Preaching and Theology The Divinity School SHEPHERDS AND WISE MEN A Sermon Preached in the Duke University Chapel by The Reverend Dr. Thor Hall Assistant Professor of Preaching and Theology The Divinity School Sunday Morning~ Scripture Lesson:

More information

As many of you already know, this is the first Christmas since my mom s passing she died last March.

As many of you already know, this is the first Christmas since my mom s passing she died last March. Christmas 2016 Christmas Anticipation As many of you already know, this is the first Christmas since my mom s passing she died last March. And that makes this Christmas my first Christmas without either

More information

TABLE OF CONTENTS. Introduction... page 1. The Elements... page 2. How To Use The Lesson Plan Worksheet... page 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS. Introduction... page 1. The Elements... page 2. How To Use The Lesson Plan Worksheet... page 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction.......................................................... page 1 The Elements......................................................... page 2 How To Use The Lesson Plan Worksheet.......................

More information

The Perfect Gift Lesson 4 December

The Perfect Gift Lesson 4 December 1 Series at a Glance for Kid-O-Deo ABOUT THIS SERIES Christmastime is full of family, special treats, music, and both gift giving and gift receiving. As we uncover the story of the very first Christmas

More information

It's not that God made sure that all the kings of the great empires of the world heard about the birth of the other side first. No.

It's not that God made sure that all the kings of the great empires of the world heard about the birth of the other side first. No. There were times when I am traveling and I sit down on a road trip far beyond before the sun rises and oftentimes on those we don't try to bother too much stuff at home don't want to spruik coffee there

More information

Kindergarten & 1 st Grade Week 1, March 6 Return of the Dead Guy Bible Story: Return of the Dead Guy (Lazarus raised to life) John 11:1-45 Bottom

Kindergarten & 1 st Grade Week 1, March 6 Return of the Dead Guy Bible Story: Return of the Dead Guy (Lazarus raised to life) John 11:1-45 Bottom Kindergarten & 1 st Grade Week 1, March 6 Return of the Dead Guy Bible Story: Return of the Dead Guy (Lazarus raised to life) John 11:1-45 Bottom Line: Whatever happens, remember how powerful God is. Memory

More information

Photos of Summer 2018 Early Childhood Bible Story Layouts

Photos of Summer 2018 Early Childhood Bible Story Layouts SESSIONS 1-2 In the beginning, darkness covered everything. (Smooth hands over the black circle.) God said, Let there be light. And there was light bright, shining light. (Fold black to show yellow.) God

More information

Reason For The Season

Reason For The Season This drama begins and ends with a reading. The main part of the drama is a series of meetings between the central character and a number of passers-by, all of whom are busy, doing important "Christmasy"

More information

Mary, Queen of Peace: The Story of Fatima

Mary, Queen of Peace: The Story of Fatima ; Mary, Queen of Peace: The Story of Fatima LEADER S NOTES This presentation lasts up to 20 minutes. We recommend you deliver the whole story. However, if you wish to shorten it you may omit the writing

More information

Fil-Am Community Church Pastor Rolly Estabillo 18 Dec 2016

Fil-Am Community Church Pastor Rolly Estabillo 18 Dec 2016 Fil-Am Community Church 1 Fil-Am Community Church Pastor Rolly Estabillo 18 Dec 2016 The Miracle of the Messiah Luke 2:8-14 Today is a day of great joy because we re celebrating the birth of Jesus, our

More information

Worship Service Fourth Sunday of Advent: PEACE

Worship Service Fourth Sunday of Advent: PEACE Worship Service Fourth Sunday of Advent: PEACE Helpful Elements: Christmas hymnal Advent stand and electric candles Advent banner Nativity scene (separate table) Welcome: Welcome! My name is and I ll be

More information

Toddlers December 9, 2018, Week 2

Toddlers December 9, 2018, Week 2 Toddlers December 9, 2018, Week 2 December 9, 2018 Bible Words: God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son. John 3:16, GNT Jesus Born in a Stable Luke 2:1-7 Bottom Line: Jesus is God s Son.

More information

Preschool Winter Lesson 4: Shepherds Come to Visit Jesus

Preschool Winter Lesson 4: Shepherds Come to Visit Jesus Preschool Winter Lesson 4: Shepherds Come to Visit Jesus Objectives: Students will 1) Recognize that Jesus is so special that shepherds left their sheep to go see Jesus Luke 2:8 20 2) Do activities to

More information

Tan Line. Will Gawned. to watch the sugar sink into the milk foam. I can t help running his appearance past

Tan Line. Will Gawned. to watch the sugar sink into the milk foam. I can t help running his appearance past Tan Line Will Gawned He sits opposite me in the booth, large hands wrapped around the red coffee mug. It is late. I can see that he is tired, his unruly eyebrows knitted together in a frown, brown eyes

More information

DECEMBER 1 ST GOD S PLAN FOR CHRISTMAS

DECEMBER 1 ST GOD S PLAN FOR CHRISTMAS Thank you for following the link to the answer sheet for A Jesus Christmas. The answers for this family devotional are below. If you want to have more copies of this sheet, you can download the pdf from

More information

LIVE NATIVITY HANDBOOK

LIVE NATIVITY HANDBOOK LIVE NATIVITY HANDBOOK Neighbors enjoy coming together to watch the story of Christmas acted out by their own children. Invite them to join your family for a short but meaningful celebration of how God

More information

TheThe Gifts of Christmas The Gift of Hope Titus 2:11-14 Pastor Pat Damiani November 27, 2016

TheThe Gifts of Christmas The Gift of Hope Titus 2:11-14 Pastor Pat Damiani November 27, 2016 TheThe Gifts of Christmas The Gift of Hope Titus 2:11-14 Pastor Pat Damiani November 27, 2016 Advent This morning is the first Sunday of Advent. Most of us are probably familiar with that concept, but

More information

WRITTEN AND PRODUCED BY SCOTT AND ANDREA VANDER PLOEG PREKPLAYS.COM

WRITTEN AND PRODUCED BY SCOTT AND ANDREA VANDER PLOEG PREKPLAYS.COM WRITTEN AND PRODUCED BY SCOTT AND ANDREA VANDER PLOEG PREKPLAYS.COM All material is copyrighted and all rights are reserved. Once you have purchased The Colors of Christmas, you have permission to make

More information

December 24, 2018, Christmas Eve Grade: Kinder

December 24, 2018, Christmas Eve Grade: Kinder Christmas Eve Social: Setting the Tone for the Experience (3:15, 4:30, 5:45, 7:30) 3:15 & 5:45 Find the Sheep Large bag of cotton balls; hide cotton balls around room before kids arrive Brown paper lunch

More information

The Story of Jesus Birth

The Story of Jesus Birth The Story of Jesus Birth by C. Haughee; Intermountainministry.org 2012 Approx. 25 minutes, music from God s Kids Worship: White which presents each song in split-trax for practice and performance. See

More information

PRE-K SMALL GROUP, December 10, 2017; Week 2

PRE-K SMALL GROUP, December 10, 2017; Week 2 Here s what you ll be teaching in 3s 5s this week. Social (9:00,, 11:30) Nativity Scene What in the Bag? Bible (9:10, 10:25, 11:40) Bible History Presentation in the Sandbox Journaling (9:30, 10:45, 12:00)

More information

Special Messages of 2017 You Won t to Believe What Happened at Work Last Night! Edited Transcript

Special Messages of 2017 You Won t to Believe What Happened at Work Last Night! Edited Transcript Special Messages of 2017 You Won t to Believe What Happened at Work Last Night! Edited Transcript Brett Clemmer Well, here's our topic for today for this Christmas season. We're going to talk about the

More information

THE IS COMING! An Advent Chain. of the names of Jesus

THE IS COMING! An Advent Chain. of the names of Jesus Savior THE IS COMING! An Advent Chain of the names of Jesus Scripture taken from the Good News Translation Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Savior THE IS COMING! The word Advent

More information

Takes Care of Them! CAN YOU GUESS BIBLE TRUTH 2: What Is God s Love for His People Like? It s More than They Could Ever Deserve...

Takes Care of Them! CAN YOU GUESS BIBLE TRUTH 2: What Is God s Love for His People Like? It s More than They Could Ever Deserve... Appendix C: Crafts and Take Home Sheets, Unit 8, Bible Truth 2 CAN YOU GUESS BIBLE TRUTH 2: What Is God s Love for His People Like? It s More than They Could Ever Deserve... God Takes Care of Them! HINT:

More information

Meditation? We will be using the medium of wooden toys and guided play to invite our children into the truths of the 23rd Psalm.

Meditation? We will be using the medium of wooden toys and guided play to invite our children into the truths of the 23rd Psalm. Meditation? Contrary to popular belief meditation is not just used in monasteries and desert places. No, meditation can also be child s play. Children can engage in meditation more easily than adults.

More information

Session One: 1. Greet kids with Christmas greetings and Christmas music playing

Session One: 1. Greet kids with Christmas greetings and Christmas music playing Christmas Objective: To develop an understanding of Christmas tradition To develop an understanding of the true meaning of Christmas To practice dialogue and perform it Sing Christmas songs Express good

More information

Every night at bedtime, Mom helps me put on my favorite. pajamas, gives me a drink of water, and tells me a story. Then

Every night at bedtime, Mom helps me put on my favorite. pajamas, gives me a drink of water, and tells me a story. Then Every night at bedtime, Mom helps me put on my favorite pajamas, gives me a drink of water, and tells me a story. Then we snuggle close, and she says a prayer before we go to sleep. 4 5 Tonight when Mom

More information

Leaders: this is just for you! Read ahead of time to engage with the Bible story on an adult level and prepare your heart to teach on Sunday.

Leaders: this is just for you! Read ahead of time to engage with the Bible story on an adult level and prepare your heart to teach on Sunday. Leader DEVOTIONAL Leaders: this is just for you! Read ahead of time to engage with the Bible story on an adult level and prepare your heart to teach on Sunday. Do you think it was just by chance that Caesar

More information

The Worst Christmas Play Ever!

The Worst Christmas Play Ever! The Worst Christmas Play Ever! (The play opens on a stage filled with all sorts of gaudy, secular Christmas decorations. The children and youth come in and gather in the spots not covered in decorations.

More information

6 Narrative Nativity Readings for 3 Readers

6 Narrative Nativity Readings for 3 Readers 6 Narrative Nativity Readings for 3 Readers These are ideal for a family Christmas service or for use in schools 1 From the beginning R1: Every story begins at the beginning. But where is our beginning

More information

3PK. December 13-14, Christmas. The long-awaited king arrived! Luke 1-2 (Waiting for the King book)

3PK. December 13-14, Christmas. The long-awaited king arrived! Luke 1-2 (Waiting for the King book) 3PK December 13-14, 2014 Luke 1-2 (Waiting for the King book) First 10 minutes of the service hour: Engage kids in cooperative play activities to help them connect to other kids Next 5 minutes: Connect

More information

We can tell others about Jesus birth.

We can tell others about Jesus birth. Praise Jesus! Angels Appear to Shepherds Lesson 3 Bible Point We can tell others about Jesus birth. Bible Verse Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone (Mark 16:15). Growing Closer to

More information

Struggle. Winning the. by Dr. Clair Schnupp ARE YOU HAPPY?

Struggle. Winning the. by Dr. Clair Schnupp ARE YOU HAPPY? by Dr. Clair Schnupp Winning the Struggle ARE YOU HAPPY? We all want to be happy. The first thought that comes to mind when we think of happiness is being part of a happy family. THINGS DON T ALWAYS WORK

More information

OLDER CHOIR WORSHIP SCRIPT. Copyright 2016 LifeWay Worship, Nashville, TN All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America.

OLDER CHOIR WORSHIP SCRIPT. Copyright 2016 LifeWay Worship, Nashville, TN All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. OLDER CHOIR WORSHIP SCRIPT Copyright 2016 LifeWay Worship, Nashville, TN 37234. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. Worship Script FOLLOW THE STAR Older Choir (This script is

More information

BETHLEHEM NEWSFLASH SONG BOOK. Children Christmas Musical Sunday, 9 December AM & AM

BETHLEHEM NEWSFLASH SONG BOOK. Children Christmas Musical Sunday, 9 December AM & AM BETHLEHEM NEWSFLASH SONG BOOK Children Christmas Musical Sunday, 9 December 2018 9.45 AM & 11.15 AM Dear Parents, Despite the many changes that is happening to our church, one thing that is certain is

More information

Helping Others. Art Print 1 shows an image of Saint Vincent de Paul helping people in need. What can you do to help others?

Helping Others. Art Print 1 shows an image of Saint Vincent de Paul helping people in need. What can you do to help others? 1 Art Print 1 shows an image of Saint Vincent de Paul helping people in need. What can you do to help others? Helping Others Like Saint Vincent de Paul, we can show love for God by helping others. Some

More information

MIRACLE ON MAIN STREET

MIRACLE ON MAIN STREET CONSIDER YOURSELF INVITED I can t believe it s almost Christmas! Yeah, only two more days til Christmas and only one more day until we get to perform our show on Main Street. This is so cool. I bet we

More information

This Little Light Lesson 5 Christmas Week 1

This Little Light Lesson 5 Christmas Week 1 1 Series at a Glance for Kid-O-Deo About this Series: At Christmas, the world is filled with light! From sparkling trees to the shining faces of happy carolers, light is everywhere at Christmastime. That

More information

Multi-Grade Christmas Program

Multi-Grade Christmas Program Multi-Grade Christmas Program What Shall We Call Him Music Bible Memory work Witnessing RuthAnn Fillman, rfillman@gccsda.org This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike

More information

WE INVITE YOU TO SIGN THE WHITE ATTENDANCE PAD so that we may celebrate your presence with us today!

WE INVITE YOU TO SIGN THE WHITE ATTENDANCE PAD so that we may celebrate your presence with us today! WE INVITE YOU TO SIGN THE WHITE ATTENDANCE PAD so that we may celebrate your presence with us today! Please pass it on to the next person and then back down the row Please Take Your Bulletins Home With

More information

Toddlers January 20, 2019, Week 4

Toddlers January 20, 2019, Week 4 Toddlers, Week 4 The extended toddler curriculum provides older toddlers with the Bible Truth and craft element that some are ready to experience before they enter the twos. The same Bible Truth will be

More information

Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room

Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room The Advent Season Written by: Kendall Kennedy Edited by: Hayden Sentenn Note to the readers: Thank you so much for your interest in using this devotion to help teach your

More information

MEMORY VERSE: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. - Deuteronomy 6:5 (NIV)

MEMORY VERSE: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. - Deuteronomy 6:5 (NIV) LESSON SNAPSHOT BOTTOM LINE: Jesus can turn our sadness and hard times into joy. OBJECTIVE: Joy is the emotion that makes us feel the best, and kids will learn that when we walk with Jesus he will transform

More information

LESSON 2 DANIEL INTERPRETS A DREAM

LESSON 2 DANIEL INTERPRETS A DREAM LESSON 2 DANIEL INTERPRETS A DREAM Bible Reference: Daniel 2:1-49 Key Verse: Proverbs 20:11 Even a child is known by his actions, whether his activity is pure and whether it is right (NET). OVERVIEW -

More information

A Family Christmas. by Jake Petzold

A Family Christmas. by Jake Petzold A Family Christmas by Jake Petzold Copyright 2017 Concordia Publishing House 3558 S. Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63118-3968 1-800-325-3040 cph.org All rights reserved. This downloadable resource is

More information

always coming down, to give us, day by day, the free gift of grace, which comes to us as faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

always coming down, to give us, day by day, the free gift of grace, which comes to us as faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior. 1 SERMON Luke 5:1-11 First Lutheran Church Rev. Darrell J. Pedersen Aitkin, Minnesota January 22, 2017 KIDS MESSAGE Kids, just like what you might sometimes hear on TV, the things that I m about to tell

More information

Service of Lessons, Readings, and Carols 12/20/2015

Service of Lessons, Readings, and Carols 12/20/2015 Service of Lessons, Readings, and Carols 12/20/2015 In the Beginning Scripture Genesis 1: 1-5, Genesis 1:26-2:1, Genesis 3:21-24 Reading The Problem of Pain C.S. Lewis We do not know how many of these

More information

Good News of Great Joy! An Advent Chain Activity Book

Good News of Great Joy! An Advent Chain Activity Book Good News of Great Joy! An Advent Chain Activity Book Scripture taken from the Good News Translation Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission. Good News of Great Joy!

More information

3RD-5TH GRADE. A Journey Home Week 2. October 13/14, God is a loving father, who made us a great home. Genesis 1, Psalm 103, Zephaniah 3:17

3RD-5TH GRADE. A Journey Home Week 2. October 13/14, God is a loving father, who made us a great home. Genesis 1, Psalm 103, Zephaniah 3:17 3RD-5TH GRADE October 13/14, 2012 A Journey Home Week 2 Genesis 1, Psalm 103, Zephaniah 3:17 God is a loving father, who made us a great home. (pp. 2, 669, & 1028 in the Adventure Bible) Play games and

More information

Jesus Gives Us the Gift of Peace

Jesus Gives Us the Gift of Peace NEW EVANGELIZATION EDITION AT-HOME EDITION Grade 2 UNIT 3 Jesus Gives Us the Gift of Peace Before beginning Unit 3, read A Letter Home, found on page 68 of your child s book. Then begin the next paragraph

More information

A Traditional Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols

A Traditional Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols A Traditional Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols 6:00 p.m. Worship Service December 27, 2015 First Christian Reformed Church Lynden, Washington * CALL TO WORSHIP: Psalm 96 Sing to the Lord a new song;

More information

Puppet Script The Parable of the Lost Sheep Mathew 18:12-14, Luke 15:4-7 Bible Point: God loves each of us

Puppet Script The Parable of the Lost Sheep Mathew 18:12-14, Luke 15:4-7 Bible Point: God loves each of us Puppet Script The Parable of the Lost Sheep Mathew 18:12-14, Luke 15:4-7 Bible Point: God loves each of us Characters: Jonas (reporter), Shepherd, Henry (sheep), Other Sheep, Lion Props: Falling sound

More information

Central Truth. Materials Day 1 The Basics Word Wall Word: encourage Student Book 9 Day 2. Acts 16:16 40

Central Truth. Materials Day 1 The Basics Word Wall Word: encourage Student Book 9 Day 2. Acts 16:16 40 Unit 9 Spread the Good news Lesson 70 The Jailer at Philippi Acts 16:16 40 Background There are several astonishing things about one of Paul and Silas s adventures in Philippi. These start with the demon-possessed

More information

The Moving Picture Girls Under the Palms or Lost in the Wilds of Florida By Laura Lee Hope

The Moving Picture Girls Under the Palms or Lost in the Wilds of Florida By Laura Lee Hope The Moving Picture Girls Under the Palms or Lost in the Wilds of Florida By Laura Lee Hope Chapter 24: The Lost Are Found What does it mean? A boat at last! Human beings, anyhow! Thus came the excited

More information

1 of 6. A Seussical Christmas Spectacle

1 of 6. A Seussical Christmas Spectacle A Seussical Christmas Spectacle The scene opens the narrator (dressed as the cat in the hat) The stable is lit up and the nativity family are there. Ready and waiting. Asleep in the corner is a star. Cool

More information

MEMORY VERSE: The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen" (Luke 2:20)

MEMORY VERSE: The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen (Luke 2:20) Mustard Seed Children s Summary for December 21, 2008 Released on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 The Shepherds Good News (Christmas) DEVOTIONAL READING: Psalm 107:1-15 BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Luke 2:1-20 SCRIPTURE

More information

Leaders: this is just for you! Read ahead of time to engage with the Bible story on an adult level and prepare your heart to teach on Sunday.

Leaders: this is just for you! Read ahead of time to engage with the Bible story on an adult level and prepare your heart to teach on Sunday. Leader DEVOTIONAL Leaders: this is just for you! Read ahead of time to engage with the Bible story on an adult level and prepare your heart to teach on Sunday. Do you think it was just by chance that Caesar

More information

A gentle shepherd cares for his flock on a hillside. The shepherd picks up his flock and

A gentle shepherd cares for his flock on a hillside. The shepherd picks up his flock and 1 A gentle shepherd cares for his flock on a hillside. The shepherd picks up his flock and drops them in the middle of a pack of wolves. The snarling wolves sink their teeth into the flock, making them

More information

2018 Community Carols Night. St Mark s Anglican Community School Friday 7 December 6.45pm

2018 Community Carols Night. St Mark s Anglican Community School Friday 7 December 6.45pm 2018 Community Carols Night St Mark s Anglican Community School Friday 7 December 6.45pm Welcome by Mr Gill We Wish You A Merry Christmas - Led by ELC students We wish you a Merry Christmas We wish you

More information

International Anglican Congregation Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill Episcopal/Anglican Alexandria, Virginia

International Anglican Congregation Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill Episcopal/Anglican Alexandria, Virginia International Anglican Congregation Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill Episcopal/Anglican Alexandria, Virginia The Fourth Sunday of Advent December 23, 2018 Holy Eucharist, Rite II, 11:00 a.m. Page references

More information

Jesus Teaches Us to Pray

Jesus Teaches Us to Pray Jesus Teaches Us to Pray By: Linda Carlblom Unit 2 Jesus Teaches Us to Pray Text Matt. 6:9-13; Luke 11:1-4 Key Quest Verse Lord, teach us to pray (Luke 11:1). Bible Background Jesus emphasized the concept

More information

WHERE ARE YOU IN THE MANGER SCENE?

WHERE ARE YOU IN THE MANGER SCENE? 1 WHAT IS GRACE? Am I Good Enough? WHERE ARE YOU IN THE MANGER SCENE? The following anecdote from a popular Italian novel is an allegory of many peoples' religious experience: "In the entrance to the school,

More information

HOLY EUCHARIST. Sunday, December 24, 2017

HOLY EUCHARIST. Sunday, December 24, 2017 Sunday, December 24, 2017 HOLY EUCHARIST 4:00 pm Welcome to St Barnabas, we are delighted that you re here! We hope you ll participate fully in our worship through singing, prayer and communion. May God

More information

December 24, 2018 Christmas Eve 8:00pm

December 24, 2018 Christmas Eve 8:00pm December 24, 2018 Christmas Eve 8:00pm Contemporary Service - 8:45am in Craven Hall Chinese Service - 10:30am in the Cokesbury Room Traditional Service - 11:00am in the Sanctuary Prelude He is Born arr.

More information

Advent 3: The Promised Son Is Born Lesson Aim: To know God keeps His promises.

Advent 3: The Promised Son Is Born Lesson Aim: To know God keeps His promises. Teacher s Guide: Ages 4-5 Prophets & Promises: Advent of the Promised One Unit 10, Lesson 50 Advent 3: The Promised Son Is Born Lesson Aim: To know God keeps His promises. THE WORSHIP Who God Is: The God

More information

Session 2 God Dwells With Us

Session 2 God Dwells With Us Worship Theme: Jesus lives in us. Session 2 God Dwells With Us John 1:1-14 Weaving Faith Into Life: Children will worship Jesus because he is the light of their lives and of the world. Session Sequence

More information

My Friend, Magpie. Book Two. By William Loader

My Friend, Magpie. Book Two. By William Loader My Friend, Magpie Book Two By William Loader Magpie I have a special friend and he is called, Magpie. He s a real magpie and we have known each other for hundreds of days even more than that. He sits on

More information

O Come All Ye Faithful. Be It Unto Me. Luke 1: Luke 2:15-20

O Come All Ye Faithful. Be It Unto Me. Luke 1: Luke 2:15-20 Luke 2:15-20 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which

More information

Jesus Is Born (Matthew 1:18-25; 2:1-12 Luke 1:26-58; 2:1-20)

Jesus Is Born (Matthew 1:18-25; 2:1-12 Luke 1:26-58; 2:1-20) video LEADER GUIDE Jesus Is Born (Matthew 1:18-25; 2:1-12 Luke 1:26-58; 2:1-20) Age-Level Overview Age-Level Overview Open the Bible Activate Faith Lower Elementary Workshop focus: God meets us in the

More information

Jesus Is with Us on Our Way

Jesus Is with Us on Our Way NEW EVANGELIZATION EDITION AT-HOME EDITION Grade 3 Jesus Is with Us on Our Way Chapter 20 Before beginning Unit 5, read A Letter Home, found on page 178 of your child s book. Then begin the next paragraph

More information

Freddie s Christmas (Fiction) Written by Bill Williamson

Freddie s Christmas (Fiction) Written by Bill Williamson Freddie s Christmas (Fiction) Written by Bill Williamson The snow barely covered the driveway, but it was snow. Christmas was barreling down on us quickly and the weather had changed with a white Christmas

More information

Jesus Was Born. Leader BIBLE STUDY. from sin.

Jesus Was Born. Leader BIBLE STUDY. from sin. Unit 17 Session 2 Use Week of: 2 Jesus Was Born BIBLE PASSAGE: Luke 2:1-20 MAIN POINT: Jesus was born to be God s promised Savior. KEY PASSAGE: Matthew 1:21 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Why was Jesus born? Jesus

More information

LESSON OVERVIEW/SCHEDULE

LESSON OVERVIEW/SCHEDULE TEACHER BIBLE STUDY God is in control of all things. Do you think it was just by chance that Caesar Augustus called for a census? Did it just so happen that Mary and Joseph were traveling to Bethlehem

More information

Kindergarten-2. December 7-8, Christmas. Luke 1-2. The Rescuer is Born!

Kindergarten-2. December 7-8, Christmas. Luke 1-2. The Rescuer is Born! Kindergarten-2 December 7-8, 2013 Christmas Luke 1-2 The Rescuer is Born! Connect Time (15 minutes): Five minutes after the service begins, split kids into groups and begin their activity. Large Group

More information

Lyric Booklet 1 st -5 th grade / Fall 2018

Lyric Booklet 1 st -5 th grade / Fall 2018 Lyric Booklet 1 st -5 th grade / Fall 2018 We Have Hope *To be performed on Sunday, September 30 th at 9:30 & 11 a.m. Can you feel it rising, the power of Christ to save us? Can you feel it rising, the

More information

April 17, 2016 Psalm 23 Listening to Shepherd. The next day, the man drove the cat 40 blocks away. He put the creature out and headed

April 17, 2016 Psalm 23 Listening to Shepherd. The next day, the man drove the cat 40 blocks away. He put the creature out and headed April 17, 2016 Psalm 23 Listening to Shepherd A man who absolutely hated his wife s cat decided to get rid of him one day. He drove the cat 20 blocks from his home and left him at the park. As the man

More information

3PK. Easter. March 30-31, Jesus is alive! Mark 14-16; John 13-21

3PK. Easter. March 30-31, Jesus is alive! Mark 14-16; John 13-21 3PK March 30-31, 2013 Mark 14-16; John 13-21 SCHEDULE for all sites: First 10 minutes of the service hour: Relationship-building time (kids get to know each other and the volunteers) Next 25 minutes: Large

More information